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The urinary bladder is a hollow muscular organ that stores urine – it is present in both men and women. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. The prostate gland secretes a fluid that makes semen and protects and nourishes the sperm. Bladder and prostate problems are common in men over the age of 50. An enlarged prostate, for example, can put pressure on the bladder, leading to symptoms such as urinary frequency and urgency. Some of the common bladder and prostate problems encountered in men include:
- Enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH
- Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
- Prostate cancer
- Male urinary dysfunction, including urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, nocturia (waking up multiple times at night to urinate), and urinary retention (difficulty emptying the bladder)
- Erectile dysfunction
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
One of the most common problems men face as they get older is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The prevalence of BPH is 8% among men in their 30s and 40s; however, by the ninth decade of life, it increases markedly to 90%, meaning 9 out of 10 men in their 90s have BPH and the associated urinary problems.
BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland that can press upon other structures and cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms by blocking the flow of urine. Symptoms of BPH include a frequent need to urinate, increased nighttime frequency of urination, difficulty starting a stream, a weak urine stream that starts and stops, inability to completely empty the bladder, and dribbling when urination ends.
Medications are a common treatment for mild to moderate symptoms of prostate enlargement. There are various pharmacological options available.
Medications for Male Urinary Dysfunction and Prostate Enlargement
Alpha-Blockers: These are medications that work by relaxing the prostate gland muscles and the muscles surrounding the neck of the bladder, thus allowing the urine to flow more easily. Examples include doxazosin (Cardura), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), silodosin (Rapaflo), and tamsulosin (Flomax). Alpha-blockers work well in men who have relatively small prostate glands.
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: This is a class of drugs that works by preventing changes caused by androgens (male hormones) that lead to prostate gland growth. Taking these medications can shrink an enlarged prostate and relieve symptoms like urinary urgency and frequency. Examples include dutasteride (Avodart) and finasteride (Proscar). 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can take 3-6 months to become fully effective and the benefit to be noticeable.
Antimuscarinics: These are anticholinergic drugs that relax the urinary bladder by blocking the nerves that control the detrusor muscle. The detrusor is the muscle that causes the bladder to contract and release urine. Antimuscarinics can, therefore, control symptoms of overactive bladder and incontinence. They can be prescribed to both men and women. Examples include oxybutynin (Oxytrol) and trospium chloride (Sanctura).
Beta-3 Agonists: This is a class of medications that relaxes the bladder and reduces the involuntary bladder contractions that lead to symptoms like urinary frequency and urgency. Beta-3 agonists like mirabegron (Myrbetriq) relax the bladder’s detrusor muscle and increase bladder capacity, meaning the bladder can store more urine before releasing it.
Combination Drug Therapy: Some bladder and prostate problems can be effectively treated with a combination of medications, such as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor and an alpha-blocker. Your doctor may prescribe combination drug therapy if either medication alone is not effective. Examples include Jalyn which is a combination of dutasteride and tamsulosin.
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors: This a class of medications that are typically prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. However, some phosphodiesterase inhibitors like tadalafil (Cialis) are also used to treat prostate enlargement.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Bipolar Disorder
The medications used to treat bipolar disorder are prescription drugs and cannot be purchased over-the-counter. Some natural herbal remedies are available over-the-counter that are believed to improve mood, such as St. John’s Wort, omega-3 fatty acids, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), and Rhodiola Rosea.
It is worth noting that the effectiveness of these herbal remedies is not supported by strong scientific evidence. Therefore, OTC mood stabilizers should never be used as a substitute for prescription medications for bipolar disorder. If you are taking any OTC remedies to improve your mood, always inform your healthcare providers about them, because some OTC products can interfere with prescription bipolar treatments.
Common Side Effects of Bladder and Prostate Medications
Side effects of alpha-blockers include headaches, lightheadedness, diarrhea, runny or stuffy nose, blurred vision, and retrograde ejaculation (a benign condition in which there is a backflow of semen into the bladder rather than out of the penis tip).
Common side effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors include decreased libido (sex drive), mild gynecomastia (male breast enlargement), breast soreness, and erectile dysfunction (inability to achieve or maintain an erection).
Possible side effects of antimuscarinic drugs include dry mouth and constipation.
Beta-3 agonists can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and dizziness. They can also lead to a fast heart rate and an increase in blood pressure. Your doctor may, therefore, check your blood pressure before prescribing these medications to you.
What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is more common in men above the age of 50. African-American men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer and Asian-American men have the lowest rates. A family history of prostate cancer in a first-degree male relative (father or brother) puts you at higher risk of developing it. Also, men who eat high-fat diets have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
What are the risks of untreated BPH?
Untreated BPH (prostate enlargement) can cause complications such as an increased risk of urinary tract infections. Over time, problems like stones in the bladder and hematuria (blood in the urine) can develop. In rare cases, untreated BPH can lead to bladder and kidney damage.
Can I get a discount on bladder and prostate medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including bladder and prostate medications—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
https://muschealth.org/medical-services/urology/bladder-and-prostate-health
https://www.ajmc.com/view/apr06-2288ps122-s128
https://tmedweb.tulane.edu/pharmwiki/doku.php/antimuscarinics
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698012.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/over-the-counter-enlarged-prostate#
Common Bladder and Prostate Health Health Medications
Bladder and Prostate Health
Get the latest information on common prescription and over-the-counter bladder and prostate health drugs.
The urinary bladder is a hollow muscular organ that stores urine – it is present in both men and women. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum in men. The prostate gland secretes a fluid that makes semen and protects and nourishes the sperm. Bladder and prostate problems are common in men over the age of 50. An enlarged prostate, for example, can put pressure on the bladder, leading to symptoms such as urinary frequency and urgency. Some of the common bladder and prostate problems encountered in men include:
- Enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH
- Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate)
- Prostate cancer
- Male urinary dysfunction, including urinary incontinence, urinary frequency, nocturia (waking up multiple times at night to urinate), and urinary retention (difficulty emptying the bladder)
- Erectile dysfunction
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
One of the most common problems men face as they get older is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. The prevalence of BPH is 8% among men in their 30s and 40s; however, by the ninth decade of life, it increases markedly to 90%, meaning 9 out of 10 men in their 90s have BPH and the associated urinary problems.
BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland that can press upon other structures and cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms by blocking the flow of urine. Symptoms of BPH include a frequent need to urinate, increased nighttime frequency of urination, difficulty starting a stream, a weak urine stream that starts and stops, inability to completely empty the bladder, and dribbling when urination ends.
Medications are a common treatment for mild to moderate symptoms of prostate enlargement. There are various pharmacological options available.
Medications for Male Urinary Dysfunction and Prostate Enlargement
Alpha-Blockers: These are medications that work by relaxing the prostate gland muscles and the muscles surrounding the neck of the bladder, thus allowing the urine to flow more easily. Examples include doxazosin (Cardura), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), silodosin (Rapaflo), and tamsulosin (Flomax). Alpha-blockers work well in men who have relatively small prostate glands.
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: This is a class of drugs that works by preventing changes caused by androgens (male hormones) that lead to prostate gland growth. Taking these medications can shrink an enlarged prostate and relieve symptoms like urinary urgency and frequency. Examples include dutasteride (Avodart) and finasteride (Proscar). 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can take 3-6 months to become fully effective and the benefit to be noticeable.
Antimuscarinics: These are anticholinergic drugs that relax the urinary bladder by blocking the nerves that control the detrusor muscle. The detrusor is the muscle that causes the bladder to contract and release urine. Antimuscarinics can, therefore, control symptoms of overactive bladder and incontinence. They can be prescribed to both men and women. Examples include oxybutynin (Oxytrol) and trospium chloride (Sanctura).
Beta-3 Agonists: This is a class of medications that relaxes the bladder and reduces the involuntary bladder contractions that lead to symptoms like urinary frequency and urgency. Beta-3 agonists like mirabegron (Myrbetriq) relax the bladder’s detrusor muscle and increase bladder capacity, meaning the bladder can store more urine before releasing it.
Combination Drug Therapy: Some bladder and prostate problems can be effectively treated with a combination of medications, such as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor and an alpha-blocker. Your doctor may prescribe combination drug therapy if either medication alone is not effective. Examples include Jalyn which is a combination of dutasteride and tamsulosin.
Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors: This a class of medications that are typically prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. However, some phosphodiesterase inhibitors like tadalafil (Cialis) are also used to treat prostate enlargement.
Over-the-Counter Medications for Bipolar Disorder
The medications used to treat bipolar disorder are prescription drugs and cannot be purchased over-the-counter. Some natural herbal remedies are available over-the-counter that are believed to improve mood, such as St. John’s Wort, omega-3 fatty acids, S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe), and Rhodiola Rosea.
It is worth noting that the effectiveness of these herbal remedies is not supported by strong scientific evidence. Therefore, OTC mood stabilizers should never be used as a substitute for prescription medications for bipolar disorder. If you are taking any OTC remedies to improve your mood, always inform your healthcare providers about them, because some OTC products can interfere with prescription bipolar treatments.
Common Side Effects of Bladder and Prostate Medications
Side effects of alpha-blockers include headaches, lightheadedness, diarrhea, runny or stuffy nose, blurred vision, and retrograde ejaculation (a benign condition in which there is a backflow of semen into the bladder rather than out of the penis tip).
Common side effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors include decreased libido (sex drive), mild gynecomastia (male breast enlargement), breast soreness, and erectile dysfunction (inability to achieve or maintain an erection).
Possible side effects of antimuscarinic drugs include dry mouth and constipation.
Beta-3 agonists can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, headache, and dizziness. They can also lead to a fast heart rate and an increase in blood pressure. Your doctor may, therefore, check your blood pressure before prescribing these medications to you.
What are the risk factors for prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is more common in men above the age of 50. African-American men have the highest incidence of prostate cancer and Asian-American men have the lowest rates. A family history of prostate cancer in a first-degree male relative (father or brother) puts you at higher risk of developing it. Also, men who eat high-fat diets have a higher risk of developing prostate cancer.
What are the risks of untreated BPH?
Untreated BPH (prostate enlargement) can cause complications such as an increased risk of urinary tract infections. Over time, problems like stones in the bladder and hematuria (blood in the urine) can develop. In rare cases, untreated BPH can lead to bladder and kidney damage.
Can I get a discount on bladder and prostate medications with BuzzRx?
Yes, you can get discounts on some medicines—including bladder and prostate medications—as long as you have a signed prescription from your doctor.
References:
https://muschealth.org/medical-services/urology/bladder-and-prostate-health
https://www.ajmc.com/view/apr06-2288ps122-s128
https://tmedweb.tulane.edu/pharmwiki/doku.php/antimuscarinics
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698012.html
https://www.healthline.com/health/over-the-counter-enlarged-prostate#
Common Bladder and Prostate Health Health Medications
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